Abstract
The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor is a membrane-bound tyrosine kinase. The pathogenesis of several cancers is closely related to aberrant forms of ALK or aberrant ALK expression, including ALK fusion proteins, ALK-activated point mutations, and ALK amplification. Clinical applications of different ALK inhibitors represent significant progress in targeted therapy. Knowledge of different aspects of ALK biology can provide significant information to further the understanding of this receptor tyrosine kinase. In this mini-review, we briefly summarize different features of ALK. We also summarize some recent research advances on ALK fusion proteins in cancers.
Highlights
In 1994, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) was first found as a tyrosine kinase in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) cell lines [1,2]
ALK is an enzyme with tyrosine kinase activity, which catalyzes the transference of a gamma-phosphate group from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to a tyrosine residue on a substrate protein
Because oncogenic activation of ALK kinase activity is crucial to ALK fusion proteins and ALK gain-of-function point mutants, inhibition of ALK kinase activity is the key to targeting ALK in various cancers
Summary
In 1994, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) was first found as a tyrosine kinase in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) cell lines [1,2]. As one member of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, ALK contains an extracellular domain (ECD), a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain (ICD) (Figure 1). Catalytic receptors are a large group of cell-surface proteins which bind to their ligands as cell-surface receptors in addition to carrying out their catalytic function [6] Their roles, as both receptors and enzymes, are usually essential for the biological functions of RTKs. Numerous RTKs play an important role in transmembrane signaling and intercellular communication. Several studies showed that Alk knockout mice displayed elevated ethanol consumption compared to wild-type mice [12,14] This mini-review presents information on different aspects of ALK. IInn ffaacctt,, AALLKK iiss tthhee oonnllyy RRTTKKmmeemmbbeerrtthhaatt ccoonnttaaiinnsstwtwooMMAMAMdodmoaminasinwsitwhiinthitisnEiCtsDE. FiFsiioggfuuorrreme4s4..dSSucchrhienemmgasatiitgcicnilaillullustrtsartanrtasitodinouncotfioowfniw.ldi-ldty-ptyepAeLAKL, Kab, earbraenrrtafnotrmfosrmofsAoLfKA, ALKL,KAaLmKplaifimcpatliiofinc,aatinodn,AaLnKd ALK isoforms during signal transduction
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
